Animal Art

Black tailed jackrabbit

(Lepus californicus)

The Black tailed jackrabbit is found throughout the southwestern United States into Mexico, as far east as Missouri, north into Washington, Idaho, Colorado and Nebraska, and west to California and Baja California. Like other jacks, it is not really a rabbit but a hare, as its young are born well furred and with their eyes open. As with all hares, blacktails rely on speed and camouflage (along with the characteristic "freeze" behavior) for their defense. When flushed from cover, a blacktail can spring 20 feet at a bound and reach top speeds of 30-35 mph over a zigzag course. Black-tailed jackrabbits do not generally occupy burrows: rather, they dig shallow depressions in the earth in which to lay.

Laying in a restful repose, the jackrabbit keeps an eye for danger. Wildlife artist Kathie Miller has lovingly captured every detail in this colored pencil rendering.